COVID-19 Rehearsal Guidelines

Rules for returning to in-person rehearsals
Approved by Committee 10^th February 2022

We’re all responsible for following these rules to make rehearsals safe and enjoyable for everyone. By meeting we’re assuming a collective responsibility for each other’s safety. Please see our risk register for further information.

The committee strongly advises and requests all who attend any chorus event:

• to receive full doses of an approved vaccine, to reduce the risk of someone bringing COVID-19 to rehearsal;
• to take two lateral flow tests each week, including one within the 24 hours before rehearsal;
• to stay away from rehearsal with any kind of respiratory illness, including coughs and colds.

• Singers are advised to activate the NHS Track and Trace app on their phone with them at rehearsal.

In the building:

• Everyone attending rehearsal must wear masks at all times indoors. If you are exempt from wearing a mask, please inform the committee or welfare coordinator privately.
• Anyone attending rehearsal must confirm by attendance form or on the door that, in the last 14 days:
  • They've had no symptoms or a positive test;
  • If unvaccinated, they've had no close contact with anyone who has symptoms or a positive test;
  • They aren't being asked to self-isolate after contact with an infected person.
• Singers should bring a drink to keep hydrated through the rehearsal; the cold taps in the kitchen and the kettle may be used during breaks.
• Singers should avoid using toilets at break times to reduce bunching up; it's fine to go (leaving space around others) during the singing.
• Singers must keep their personal belongings in one area and must not touch the belongings of others.
• Singers may use only their own copies of the music, though the librarian may lend out complete folders after using hand sanitiser.
• We will aim to keep CO₂ concentration to under 800 ppm, as advised by the Health and Safety Executive.

Finally:

• Anyone attending rehearsal is required to tell the committee if they develop symptoms or have a positive test between rehearsals, so that we can advise others who were present.

• Rehearsals will be shortened to 1 hour to protect voices.
• Singers should bring their own refreshments such as bottled water or a thermos.
• Singers must keep their personal belongings in one area and must not touch the belongings of others.
• Singers may use only their own copies of the music.
• Singers should be prepared for light rain; if it is predicted to be heavy, the rehearsal may be called off at 5 pm.